A NEW AUTOMOTIVE ICON TO DEBUT AT LE MANS – FIRST DB4 GT ZAGATO CONTINUATION SET FOR UNVEIL AT CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE

A NEW AUTOMOTIVE ICON TO DEBUT AT LE MANS – FIRST DB4 GT ZAGATO CONTINUATION SET FOR UNVEIL AT CIRCUIT DE LA SARTHE

The first Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation – part of the Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Collection – to make its public debut at the world’s most famous endurance motorsport event later this week.

Breaking cover at Aston Martin’s VIP hospitality facility alongside the famous French circuit, the first complete DB4 GT Zagato Continuation – one of just 19 cars being made – will be on show throughout the gruelling 24-hour race.

The production model of this track-only sports car, the latest in Aston Martin’s hugely successful Continuation programme which began with the DB4 GT Continuation series in 2017, represents the culmination of around 4,500 hours of painstaking and meticulous artisan craftsmanship.

As with all the Continuation cars, the Zagato has been created at Aston Martin’s globally renowned Heritage Division headquarters in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. Now the largest, best equipped and most knowledgeable Aston Martin restoration centre in the world, the invaluable and highly specialist skills nurtured at Aston Martin Works are perfectly suited to the brand’s celebrated Continuation projects.

The car on show in France this weekend represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s Continuation projects to date, and proudly continues the brand’s 50-plus year association with world-renowned Italian coachbuilder and design house, Zagato.

Finished in Rosso Maja red paint, the car’s exterior colour has been matched to original masters created by Max Meyer & ICI, the paint suppliers for the original cars. Inside, the car is trimmed in Obsidian Black leather, which covers the pads in the carbon fibre race seats; door cards, headliner and rear environment. Black Wilton carpets bound in Obsidian Black leather trim cover the floor, stitched in matching Obsidian Black thread.

The new model boasts a larger capacity 4.7-litre version of the straight-six cylinder petrol engine found in the DB4 GT Continuation and, in this guise, is producing in excess of 390 bhp. This is transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

Continuation specification instrumentation and interior equipment such as a full FIA-approved roll cage is standard, as are the Borrani silver painted wheels and polished lips.

Originally built to race against the might of Ferrari in the 1960s, the DB4 GT Zagato was a thoroughbred machine. Evolved for the rigours of motor racing and blessed with a rare and incontestable beauty, just 19 were made. Drawing on the unrivalled knowledge and expertise of the team at Aston Martin Works the 2019 DB4 GT Zagato Continuations are meticulously crafted, staying true to those original Zagato-bodied DB4 GTs produced by Aston Martin and Zagato in the 1960s.

Each car is being constructed to the highest possible quality using a blend of Sir David Brown-era old-world craftsmanship and the sympathetic application of modern engineering advancements and performance enhancements.

A digital body buck has, for instance, been created to allow Aston Martin engineers to examine minute details of the Continuation cars. In contrast, hand-finished body panels of the new cars are each worked from flat sheets of 1.2 mm thick aluminium and representing hundreds of hours of world-class craftsmanship, are created using techniques that were commonplace almost 60 years ago. 

Originally built as an evolution of the short-chassis DB4 GT, the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation follows the same recipe, with those thin-gauge aluminium body panels dressing a lightweight tubular frame in a chassis optimised for track work.

This latest continuation car follows the success of the 25 Aston Martin DB4 GT Continuation models that sold to enthusiast collectors in 2017 and precedes what will perhaps be the most ambitious continuation to date: the Aston Martin Goldfinger DB5 Continuation cars that will come to market in 2020. 

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President & Group CEO, said: “The development and successful creation of this latest Continuation car is an achievement that should not be underestimated. Indeed, it could well be argued that we are making history with these new cars.

“Celebrating our brand’s deep and enduring partnership with Zagato in this, their landmark year, by launching the DBZ Centenary Collection has been a mammoth undertaking and I’m personally extremely proud of the results in the shape of this new DB4 GT Zagato.”

Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works, said: “Like Andy, I’m incredibly proud of what the team have achieved in making the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation a reality.

“After the unprecedented success of the DB4 GT Continuation cars, we are once again bringing to life the stuff of Aston Martin folklore.”

The DBZ Century Collection will be priced at £6m plus taxes. First deliveries to customers will commence in QTR 3 2019 for the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation and in QTR 4 2020 for the DBS GT Zagato.

INTRODUCING RETRO CARS - A NEW TYPE OF CAR MAGAZINE FOR YOUNGER, AFFORDABLE CLASSIC CARS

INTRODUCING RETRO CARS - A NEW TYPE OF CAR MAGAZINE FOR YOUNGER, AFFORDABLE CLASSIC CARS

A brand new type of classic car magazine is set to hit the shelves, concentrating on a rapidly growing but under-represented area of the scene often frequented by younger enthusiasts.

Retro Cars is a reinvention of one of Kelsey Media’s established titles, but rather than focusing on modified cars the title is going back to its roots, with modern classic cars from the 1980s through to the mid-2000s being the heart of its content.

In the first issue, the Retro Cars team take an in-depth look at the Ford Focus to determine if it truly was the best car of the 1990s, pit the Mk 2 Mazda MX-5 against the Mk 3 Toyota MR2, look at cheaper alternatives to modern classic icons, compare VW Golf Marks 1 to 4 and even take a Mazda Demio out to compete in the Sunday Cup - something that the PlayStation Generation will instantly relate to.

Retro Cars will be published every eight weeks and will be edited by established motoring writer Craig Cheetham, who was Deputy Motoring Editor for Auto Express back when most of the cars that star in the mag were brand new.

He said: “There are so many groups on social media platforms these days that concentrate on affordable cars from the 80s, 90s and 2000s and this tells us that there’s an appetite there for preserving these vehicles as future classics. These are probably the last generation of cars that are within the scope of straightforward home maintenance, while still being rewarding to own and drive.

“The 1990s, in particular, were a golden era for the car industry, with the pace of development and quality of car dynamics evolving rapidly. As nostalgia evolves at the same time, we’re seeing the best examples of these cars being increasingly more cherished by car enthusiasts, who see them as an inexpensive way of having an unusual and enjoyable car that’s perfectly suitable for everyday use. These enthusiasts are the core of the market we’re aiming for.”

The magazine will be published by Kelsey Media, which is a well-known brand within the enthusiast automotive sector of the magazine market - one of the few areas of the print publishing industry that remains strong in an increasingly digital era.

Kelsey Media Managing Director Phil Weeden said: “There are other titles out there that serve enthusiasts of the more modern generation of classic cars, but they tend to focus on high-end, thoroughbred models. Retro Cars is very different. These are the cars that we grew up with, that our readers will remember owning and driving, or being driven to school in, or craving for during their teenage years. There’s a big gap in the magazine market for the increasingly popular enthusiasm for these new-age future classics and I’m hugely excited by the potential that Retro Cars has to grow and serve this market.”

Among the editorial team on the new magazine will be Tom Barnard, formerly Auto Express Motoring Editor, Ian Seabrook, a YouTube sensation with his Hubnut videos, Sam Skelton, a highly regarded enthusiast of modern classic and executive cars and Paul Walton, a former Top Gear journalist and editor of Retro’s sister title, Jaguar World.

The first issue of the new magazine appears on newsstands on May 17th, but those who want to sign up early can take advantage of an amazing launch subscription offer, which includes a fabulous 40-piece BlueSpot socket set and six issues of Retro Cars for just £21.99. You can view the subscription offer here shop.kelsey.co.uk/rca175

BEAULIEU IS THE HOME OF MOTORING FOR NEW CAR SERIES FILMING

BEAULIEU IS THE HOME OF MOTORING FOR NEW CAR SERIES FILMING

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is the perfect backdrop for new prime-time car show The Car Years which begins broadcasting its first series on Tuesdays from May 7th.

The museum – with its world-famous collection of more than 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring history – was the natural choice for presenters Vicki Butler-Henderson and Alex Riley to go head-to-head with their favourite cars from chosen years. The Montagu ancestral home of Palace House and its stunning grounds and gardens are also featured during the six-episode series.

Starting with an ITV4 double-bill from 8pm, Vicki will pitch the iconic Porsche 911 sports car against Alex with his Ford Mustang original muscle car from 1964. Then for 1984, Vicky chooses the turbo powered Ford RS200 while Alex picks Miami Vice favourite, the Ferrari Testarossa.

Winners of the car battles are picked by judges including former F1 drivers and broadcasters Tiff Needell and Karun Chandhok, motoring writers and presenters Erin Baker and Quentin Willson, former Top Gear Stig and stunt driver Ben Collins, motoring author and vlogger Richard Porter and world-renowned motoring auctioneer Chris Routledge.

Later in the series, the British MGA sports car driven by the likes of Elvis Presley is pitted against the Hollywood favourite Mercedes 190SL from 1955, while the world-beating Audi Quattro is set against Alex’s childhood hero the Renault 5 Turbo from 1980, the Porsche Boxster competes against its sports car rival the Lotus Elise from 1996 and four-seater performance cars the Golf GTi hot hatch and Saab 99 Turbo go head-to-head for 1976.

Beaulieu’s Commercial Director Steve Munn said: “We have been pleased to host The Car Years filming and look forward to working with the production team on future series. As the home of British motoring, Beaulieu is the perfect setting for the new show which celebrates some of the most popular cars in automotive history.”

The Car Years is also a perfect fit for its sponsors, Beaulieu’s partners and classic vehicle insurance specialists Footman James. The show’s celebrities recently appeared at Beaulieu’s media partners’ Practical Classic’s Classic Car & Restoration Show at the NEC.

To see the backdrops used in filming, a ticket to Beaulieu includes entry to the National Motor Museum with its Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 50 years exhibition, World of Top Gear, On Screen Cars, Palace House, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the grounds and gardens. Tickets can be bought in advance online. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.

MOTORCYCLE ACE ZEF EISENBERG SETS NEW FLYING MILE RECORD AT WORLD-FAMOUS PENDINE SANDS

MOTORCYCLE ACE ZEF EISENBERG SETS NEW FLYING MILE RECORD AT WORLD-FAMOUS PENDINE SANDS

Motorcycle ace Zef Eisenberg sets new Flying Mile record

Record-breaking racer Zef Eisenberg survived a 195mph scare to establish a stunning new benchmark for the Flying Mile at Pendine Sands in South Wales. Riding a specially made 400bhp supercharged Suzuki Hayabusa that was built and prepared by Eisenberg’s MADMAX Racing Team, he set a two-way average of 182.40mph on Saturday 6 April.

In 1927, Sir Malcolm Campbell reached 174.8mph at Pendine in his iconic aero-engined Blue Bird. That record was unbroken until 2015, when actor Idris Elba achieved 180.361mph along the historic beach in a 650hp Bentley Continental Super Sport twin-turbo W12 – yet the intrepid Eisenberg needed only a single run in both directions on the ‘Green Monster’ to surpass them both, with a rear tyre that was found to be falling apart after the first run!

“The bike had been spinning the rear wheel for two miles at 240mph,” explained Eisenberg. “We were using a GP racing tyre, too – the best you can get, but I assume it’s not used to that much power or wheelspin. That’s why these records are so hard to achieve. You’re pushing human and engineering boundaries.”

The MADMAX team fitted a new tyre during the permitted one-hour turn-around time, enabling Eisenberg to complete his return run and establish the new record. For the third run, a harder compound of tyre was used, but the extreme demands of running at maximum rpm for nearly three miles – and constant wheelspin at such high revs – took its toll on the motorcycle’s highly stressed engine.

“I was doing 195mph approaching the end of the mile,” said Eisenberg of the moment the engine blew, “and my helmet visor and leathers were sprayed with black engine oil, obscuring my vision. I lost sight of the finish flags, but I couldn’t just slam on the brakes due to the sand. Fortunately, I managed to keep it straight and bring it to a stop.

“Then I noticed engine oil spraying onto the hot exhaust, but unless I jumped off and dropped the bike, I couldn’t get off because I couldn’t put the kick-stand down on the sand! Luckily, the oil never caught fire on the hot exhaust, as the bike would have burst into flames…”

The critical engine damage prevented Eisenberg and the MADMAX team from achieving their ultimate goal of 200mph for the Flying Mile, but they’d already done enough to break the all-out Flying Mile record for ’bike and car.

They will be back at the legendary venue during the Speed Week on 18/19th May with their 1200bhp Porsche Sand Racer. Painstakingly developed from a 2015 911 Turbo, this extreme machine will be driven by Eisenberg in an attempt to break the outright Flying Mile record.

His goal will also be to establish a new benchmark for the highest speed ever achieved at Pendine by a wheel-powered vehicle – a record that Eisenberg currently holds at 201.5mph on the MADMAX ‘Green Monster’, making the Suzuki the fastest-ever motorbike on sand.

RESPONSIBLE USE IS KEY – FIVA INTRODUCES ITS NEW GUIDE FOR HISTORIC MOTORING

RESPONSIBLE USE IS KEY – FIVA INTRODUCES ITS NEW GUIDE FOR HISTORIC MOTORING

One of the highlights of FIVA’s annual General Assembly, held this year in Gibraltar, was the presentation of the FIVA Guide for responsible use of historic vehicles on today’s roads. It reminds owners and drivers of historic vehicles of the importance of caring for the environment, and for the safety of other road users when taking a trip in a historic vehicle.

Tiddo Bresters, FIVA’s Vice President for Legislation, comments, “FIVA is fully aware that the world of mobility and transport is changing. However, it is also deeply convinced that in times of rapid innovation in vehicle technology, the sight of historic vehicles in use on the roads – artefacts that demonstrate the designs, the skills and the cultures of past times – will continue to delight people all over the world.

“Not only does our new Guide address the more than a million and a half historic vehicle owners that FIVA represents, it will also help the authorities and institutions influential in road safety and the environment to recognise that historic vehicles have a place in the world’s future landscape – as they have had for so many decades in the past.”

With the publication of the new Guide, FIVA confirms its commitment to maintaining the high standards of road safety for which historic vehicle drivers are known – not least by the insurance industry. (Indeed, FIVA is a member of the European Road Safety Charter, which it joined almost 10 years ago.)

The Guide replaces earlier publications that expressed FIVA’s respect for these two essential concerns – the environment and the safety of other road-users – and FIVA’s member organisations in around 70 countries, across all continents, will be encouraged to actively distribute it.

The Guide, which has over 20 pages and is imaginatively illustrated by three women illustrators from three different countries, has been edited under the direction of FIVA’s Legislation Commission. The cover of the Guide (image available for publication) is inspired by an actual photograph taken by FIVA’s Tiddo Bresters in Heidelberg in 2018 – and it perfectly illustrates the joy of introducing future generations to our mobile heritage. It shows children displaying a natural curiosity in the unusual sight of a BMW Isetta – a motorcycle-engined microcar from the 1950s – and in the background, the illustrator has added its modern equivalent, a brand-new electric microcar, the Microlino, inspired by the Isetta.

BICESTER HERITAGE WELCOMES NEW TENANT HOWSON MEDIA AS ON-SITE MEDIA SPECIALIST

BICESTER HERITAGE WELCOMES NEW TENANT HOWSON MEDIA AS ON-SITE MEDIA SPECIALIST

Bicester Heritage is proud to announce its latest tenant, Howson Media. Having launched at last weekend’s Sunday Scramble, Howson Media and their outlet Petroleum & Co are set to capture the unique atmosphere of Bicester Heritage and beyond.

Howson Media is a video production company producing a wide range of bespoke video content for private and commercial clients. With a classic car expert, creative director and cameraman on the team, the company offers a full service for those seeking videography, from concept and storyboarding through to drone work and post-production.

The team have already produced videos for Bicester Heritage tenant Pendine Historics, including a highly acclaimed piece showing sideways action in a 1959 Aston Martin DBR4 race car, and also a stunning work showing the exceptional craftsmanship behind Harry Fraser Vehicle Upholstery. They have also collaborated with official timing partner Bremont Watches

The addition of Howson Media adds the digital automotive content creation capability to Bicester Heritage and will support existing tenants and events on site.

Dan Geoghegan, Managing Director of Bicester Heritage, commented “We have been very impressed by the skill and enthusiasm of the Howson Media team.  Critically they bring a new perspective and innovation to media production for the automotive sector.  We wish them every success.’

George Howson of Howson Media added “On a professional level, Bicester Heritage is at the centre of the automotive world, so there is no better place for us to be. On a personal level, we have been huge fans of the site since day one so we are absolutely thrilled to be here.”

Further information on Howson Media can be found here: https://www.howsonmedia.co

NICHOLAS MEE & CO OPENS NEW EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME

NICHOLAS MEE & CO OPENS NEW EXPANDED STATE-OF-THE-ART HOME

Established in 1993, Aston Martin Specialist, Nicholas Mee & Co opens its new expanded, state-of-the-art home on the historic Hatfield Park Estate, Hertfordshire, UK

Nicholas Mee & Co, the globally renowned Aston Martin specialist, has recently completed a multi-million-pound project, rebuilding a collection of historic farm buildings in Essendon, Hertfordshire. Forming part of the Hatfield Park Estate, the sympathetically repurposed 17th-century buildings, have been woven into a new heritage facility, covering a two-acre site in rural surroundings. Having moved from West London over the summer months, Nicholas Mee & Co’s service, parts and car sales operations are now fully operational in its new facilities.

Ample parking and new spacious workshops, equipped with the latest technologies, combine to create the definitive environment demanded by today’s discerning Aston Martin owner. Nicholas Mee & Co has created a centre of excellence for its heritage business, now celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Rapidly becoming a destination experience for both existing Aston Martin owners and enthusiasts alike, this new home for the business enjoys close proximity to some excellent transport links. The A1(M), M25 and M1 motorways are all within easy reach, while nearby international airports and even a dedicated area at the premises for helicopter landings, allow easy access for ‘time-limited’ clients from afar.

Speaking of the move, Company Founder and Managing Director Nicholas Mee said, ‘This is an extremely exciting time for our company, our new and existing Aston Martin-owning clients and our dedicated workforce. As the ever-expanding classic car world continues to evolve, our relocation is in direct response to the needs of both our clients and ourselves. Operational in our new home for some three months, the universal praise I’ve received from Aston Martin owners for our commitment to the future and standard of facilities, has been heartwarming. Away from the hustle and bustle of London, we’ve found our clients to be highly appreciative of the expansive facilities and relaxed rural ambience, when visiting to discuss their requirements!’

The Essendonbury Farm heritage site incorporates a state-of-the-art, galleried show hall that can be configured for a variety of purposes, including customer and media events. While the expansive new workshops have already allowed Nicholas Mee & Co to develop further its in-house activities, additional buildings on site also provide an opportunity for the business to continue its growth over the coming years.

RBW SECURES THE FUTURE OF CLASSIC MOTORING WITH NEW ELECTRIC RECREATIONS

CLASSIC TORQUE

FROM CLASSIC CHATTER

RBW SECURES THE FUTURE OF CLASSIC MOTORING WITH NEW ELECTRIC RECREATIONS

Midlands classic motoring specialist RBW Classic Electric Cars have joined forces with world leading names to secure the future of classic motoring with the launch of two limited edition electric recreations.

RBW is working closely with Zytek Automotive, part of Continental AG, who provides the world championship winning technology applied to Formula E racing cars. The aim is to create a stunning vehicle that has the aesthetic appeal of a classic car but with all the engineering of a modern electric vehicle.

Managing Director Peter Swain said: “Our aim is to make these great classic cars better for the modern age and to do that, we have been fortunate to be supported by great companies who share the same ethos.

The first of the electric designs is the RBW MGB recreation, which affords all the stylings of an MGB, with the second being the RBW XKSS recreation, based on the Jaguar model. Both cars preserve these iconic designs for the future classic motorist.

To ensure drivers comfortable driving and complete safety, rather than taking an old body shell with distressed and tired metal, RBW has partnered with British Motor Heritage and Gregson Polska to provide brand new body shells.

Swain added: “In our research and development, we put the cars through vigorous testing which showed just how much pressure is on the body as well as the components. Such is the power of the engine, we used new components wherever possible to ensure the best for owners to enjoy their classic electric sports car.

The limited-edition hand-built models, with an initial 30 examples created, launched to the motoring trade at Cenex, a showcase of low carbon vehicle technologies, on 12/13 September.

A public launch will follow at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show from 9-11 November at Birmingham’s NEC where enthusiasts can reserve their vehicle with a small deposit.

For more information visit: www.rbwclassicelectriccars.co.uk